A recent discovery of palm leaf manuscripts at the Vilwadrinatha temple in Thiruvilwamala has the potential to reshape understanding of Kerala's medieval and early modern history . A team of history enthusiasts, led by K. Rajan,a professor at Government College,Pattambi, uncovered these documents,which had remained largely unread and were typically used only for rituals.
The researchers identified four bundles of manuscripts during their search for historical records specific to the Thiruvilwamala region. Rajan described find as “an invaluable” contribution to historical scholarship, noting that manuscripts date back to late 17th century. Three of the bundles are associated with temple renovation activities from the 18th century,while the fourth offers a comprehensive chronicle of the temple’s history spanning from the early 14th century to the late 18th century.
This chronicle,compiled in 1822,draws from earlier records that have since been lost. Written in Sanskrit using Malayalam script,it begins with the narrative of Vishnu's incarnation as deity of Vilwadrinatha. A significant portion of the text delves into the administration of the temple, providing insights into the societal structure of the time,including roles such as Samudayam, Uralars,Karalars,Manushyam, and various Swaroopams.
The manuscripts reveal strict administrative customs and penalties for violations,underscoring the importance of tradition in temple governance. They also indicate that while the temple fell under the jurisdiction of the former princely state of Cochin, it generated considerable revenue from lands associated with other royal houses, particularly the Tharur Swaroopam.
Notably,the documents reference visits from rulers of the Perumpadappu, Nediyirippu,Tharur,and Arangottu Swaroopams. One significant mention includes Ramavarma,the ruler of Cochin,who visited in 1363 and reportedly performed penance due to internal temple conflicts.
Rajan also pointed out that the manuscripts provide accounts of periodic temple maintenance extending into the late 19th century. These records document structural decay caused by natural events and fire incidents, highlighting the long and intricate history of the temple institution . Accompanying Rajan in this research were Kiran Vasudev,Ramkumar Nambiyath, and Suresh Kumar K.A.
